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1.1 This practice describes the procedure for sampling liquids with the composite liquid waste sampler, or “COLIWASA.” The COLIWASA is an appropriate device for obtaining a representative sample from stratified or unstratified liquids. Its most common use is for sampling containerized liquids, such as tanks, barrels, and drums. It may also be used for pools and other open bodies of stagnant liquid.

1.2 The COLIWASA should not be used to sample flowing or moving liquids.

1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026. Reporting of test results in units other than SI shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

5.1 This practice is applicable to sampling liquid wastes and other stratified liquids. The COLIWASA is used to obtain a vertical column of liquid representing an accurate cross section of the sampled material. To obtain a representative sample of stratified liquids, the COLIWASA should be open at both ends so that material flows through it as it is slowly lowered to the desired sampling depth. The COLIWASA must not be lowered with the stopper in place. Opening the stopper after the tube is submerged will cause material to flow in from the bottom layer only, resulting in gross over-representation of that layer.

5.2 This practice is to be used by personnel acquiring samples.

5.3 This practice should be used in conjunction with Guide D4687 which covers sampling plans, safety, QA, preservation, decontamination, labeling, and chain-of-custody procedures; Practice D5088 which covers decontamination of field equipment used at waste sites; Practice D5283 which covers project specifications and practices for environmental field operations; and Practice D5743 which covers drum sampling.